Trump’s Social Media Surveillance Slammed: EFF and Unions Battle Over Free Speech Violations
Lawyers at the Electronic Frontier Foundation are helping labor unions sue the Trump administration over a social media surveillance program that targets noncitizens. The “Catch and Revoke” initiative uses AI to monitor social media accounts for non-conforming views, risking visa revocation. It’s like Big Brother got a Twitter account!
Hot Take:
“Catch and Revoke” sounds more like a new fishing game than a government surveillance program. But in this twisted reality show, the prize isn’t a trophy bass; it’s the chance to keep your visa and maybe your job. Who knew that keeping up with the Kardashians could become a matter of national security?”
Key Points:
- The EFF is supporting three US labor unions in suing the Trump administration over a social media surveillance program.
- The program allegedly violates First Amendment rights by targeting legally residing noncitizens and monitoring their social media activity.
- Visa applicants must submit social media handles for the last five years, with some visa holders required to keep accounts publicly viewable.
- A federal court ruled the executive orders introducing these measures as unconstitutional, though an appeal is likely.
- The surveillance has led to a chilling effect on union members’ online and offline activities, with significant social media account deletions.
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